Instead of this method, it’s good to consider Rapid Application Development (RAD), which was invented by James Martin in 1991. Although it is not a new method, the RAD methodology has become very popular among those looking for agile application development techniques to keep pace with an ever-growing company and customer needs.
Table of Contents
What is Rapid Application Development, and What are the Benefits?
The Rapid Application Development (RAD) model is an agile software development technique that prioritizes rapid prototype iterations and deliveries. RAD takes software usage and user input into account rather than rigorous planning and requirements recording, unlike the waterfall methodology.
Here are some of the benefits of rapid application development:
- It increases versatility and adaptability since developers can make adjustments immediately during the development process.
- Rapid iterations reduce development time and speed delivery.
- Code reuse is encouraged, so manual programming is reduce and, consequently. Both the possibility of making errors and the testing periods are reduced.
- Customer satisfaction is increased thanks to the high level of collaboration and coordination between the parties involved, such as developers, customers and end-users.
- There is better risk management since the people involved can discuss and address the different vulnerabilities without stopping the development processes.
- The surprise factor is reduce since there are integrations in the earliest phases of the software development processes in rapid application development, unlike the waterfall methodology.
5 Steps to Rapid App Development
1: Define and Specify The Project Requirements
The project’s requirements, including objectives, expectations, deadlines, and budget, must be clearly defined and established by all parties involved before being passed on to management for approval.
2: Start Designing the Prototypes
As soon as the project’s scope has been define, the development phase can begin. Designers and developers will work closely with clients to create and improve prototypes that are already underway until the final product is ready.
3: Collecting User Feedback
In this phase, prototypes and beta system become working models. Then, the developers collect the information provided by the users to correct and improve the prototypes and create a product with the highest possible quality.
4: Tests, Tests and More Tests
It is necessary to test the software product and ensure that all the gears work together smoothly to meet customer expectations. Customer feedback continues to be incorporate as the code is test repeatedly until it works flawlessly.
5: System Presentation
It is the phase before the launch of the finished product. It integrates data conversion and user training.
Do you Think your Team is Ready to Implement Rapid Application Development?
We propose a checklist that will help you know if your team is ready to adopt this methodology:
- Do you need to develop software products within a short time (two to three months)?
- Do you have an experienced team of developers, programmers, and designers who can finish the job on time?
- Is your client ready to embrace rapid application development? Or what is the same? Do you think the client will be available to collaborate throughout the software development process?
- Do you have the necessary technology and tools to implement rapid application development?
Next Steps
When adopting new processes, the participation of all the people involved is necessary, including your team and the client. If you’ve decided that the rapid app development methodology is right for your business. Here are the steps you need to take next:
- Make sure all team members are willing to get down to business. Tell them about the advantages of the new methodology, listen to their concerns and answer any questions they may have.
- Check that all parties involved are willing to meet the project deadlines.
- Discusses app development software and tools that may be useful. Invest in those that adapt to the needs and budget of the company to adopt this methodology effectively.
Agile, Waterfall or RAD Development Methods
There are two primary software development methodologies: agile and waterfall. The traditional software development method is a waterfall, which focuses on a strictly linear process that relies heavily on customer approval. Builds like this can go for months without customers seeing a final product, causing a lot of trouble updating requirements or receiving additional feedback that affects the project. It can be challenging to change the main functions and features of the software.
Agile is one of the most used methodologies, and it was creat in response to the limitations of traditionally structured management techniques. RAD, a type of agile methodology, delivers real-time results and works well when you need to provide a product and update features as needed quickly. Although speed is emphasize, it is not base on a specific time. The RAD process is unique because it is process-driven and focuses on test prototypes and rapid changes to deliver a complete product in less time.
Conclusion
Rapid Application Development, also call Rapid Application Building, is a general term for customized. Software development approaches and is named after James Martin’s quick development method. In general, RAD approaches to software development place less emphasis on planning and more focus on adaptive processes.